Hi cdndragoon, Thanks for that note. I think we may have discussed the "cutthroat" collars earlier? That pattern was not authorized until shortly before the war.
In a related question, you mention the use of the cypher as a cap badge but also as a shoulder badge? Or as a collar? Was there a collar pre-springbok? Finally, can the springbok collars with the R.C.D. scroll be confirmed?

Bill:
I can confirm that the RCD collar, with letters "R.C.D." on the lower scroll do exist.
Bill Elms (old time Toronto badge collector) put together a photgraphic catalogue of his badge collection in the 1950`s-early 60`s; I have a copy of a copy of that record, and on plate 109 of the catalogue the collar in question is stated as being "1904 collar".
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
John S.

Related question, is it possible that the RCD wore the royal cyphers in the same manner as the RCR prior to the adoption of the springbok badges? It is odd that there was not a pre-springbok collar badge, but that is what Mazeas seems to suggest. And, what badge did the RCD wear in South Africa? (Never thought about this until going through Mazeas in relation to these questions.)

Bill:
Although I can`t comment on your royal cyphers question, or what the RCD wore as a hat badge in SA, I can add that Bill Elms` description of the large size Springbok collar badges as being "1901-1904 collars". This contradicts Mazeas pre 1914 book description, which lists these large size collars and a helmet plate as being approved under GO 1895. I tend to believe Bill Elms` description, as it makes no sense that the RCD would have approved or used a Springbok symbol before the Boer War.
Cheers,
John S.

We did talk about the 'cutthroat' collar dogs before and I'm glad to say that I managed to acquire a set at the Ottawa show.

The Dragoons wore the royal cypher as both cap and collar badge until the springbok was introduced, with a significant overlap as the new badge was being introduced. As the story goes, the Regiment adopted the badge around 1904 but there was some delay in submitting the paperwork to the Crown (whether it was accidental or deliberate, is lost to time). The initial request, through Edward VII, was denied but was resubmitted and approved once George V took the throne in 1910, making the full approval to adopt the springbok official as of 1911.